Plow quick connect / disconnect hitch mechanism

ABSTRACT

A snow plow including a quick connect/disconnect hitch. The snow plow includes a hitch frame nose assembly configured to couple to a vehicle. The hitch frame nose assembly includes a chassis coupler secured at each end of a hitch frame tube with each chassis coupler including a traverse pin. A plow frame is included with the plow frame having a front portion and a rear portion. A plow blade is coupled to the front portion of the plow frame. A lift bar assembly is coupled to the rear portion of the plow frame. A lift bar assembly includes a pair of notched members with each notch member aligned with a corresponding chassis coupler of the hitch frame nose assembly. Each of the notched members is configured to engage the traverse pin in each of the chassis couplers, wherein the snow plow is pivotally coupled to the vehicle.

This patent application is a continuation of prior U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/140,732 filed on Jun. 17, 2008, now U.S. Pat.No. 7,841,110, granted on Nov. 30, 2010, entitled “Plow QuickConnect/Disconnect Hitch Mechanism,” which is assigned to the assigneeof the present patent application, and which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference. This patent application is related to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/140,903, filed on Jun. 17, 2008, now U.S. Pat.No. 7,513,069, granted on Apr. 7, 2009, entitled “Snow Plow Jack Stand;”U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/140,893, filed on Jun. 17, 2008, nowU.S. Pat. No. 7,640,682, granted on Jan. 5, 2010, entitled “RemovableAnd Storable Wings For A Snow Plow Blade And Snow Removal System UsedTherewith;” U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/140,886, filed on Jun.17, 2008, entitled “Snow Plow Blade Including Nut Retaining Plate,” nowabandoned; co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/140,635, filedon Jun. 17, 2008, entitled “V-Plow;” and U.S. patent application Ser.No. 12/140,671, filed on Jun. 17, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,841,109,granted on Nov. 30, 2010, entitled “Plow Including IndependentlyMoveable Wings,” and all of which patent applications are assigned tothe assignee of the present application, and all of which patentapplications and patents are hereby incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present disclosure generally relates to material handling equipment,and more particularly to a plow with a hitch mechanism configured to beeasily and quickly coupled to a vehicle.

It is known that plows, for example snow plows, are bolted to supportswhich are typically welded to the chassis of a vehicle, for example atruck. It is also known that a plow support can be bolted to the chassisof a vehicle. Since plows typically weigh hundreds of pounds,positioning the plow for attachment to the vehicle can be difficult. Itis particularly difficult to maneuver a snow plow in the cold and snowof winter.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a plow hitch mounting mechanismwhich is easy to maintain and that the process of connecting anddisconnecting the plow to or from the vehicle is simple and easy to useby one person without assistance.

The apparatus of the present disclosure must also be of constructionwhich is both durable and long lasting, and it should also requirelittle or no maintenance to be provided by the user throughout itsoperating lifetime. In order to enhance the market appeal of theapparatus of the present disclosure, it should also be of inexpensiveconstruction to thereby afford it the broadest possible market. Finally,all of the aforesaid advantages should be achieved without incurring anysubstantial relative disadvantage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The disadvantages and limitations of the background art discussed aboveare overcome by the present disclosure.

There is provided a snow plow including a quick connect/disconnecthitch. The snow plow includes a hitch frame nose assembly configured tocouple to a vehicle. The hitch frame nose assembly includes a chassiscoupler secured at each end of a hitch frame tube with each chassiscoupler including a traverse pin. A plow frame is included with the plowframe having a front portion and a rear portion. A plow blade is coupledto the front portion of the plow frame. A lift bar assembly is coupledto the rear portion of the plow frame. A lift bar assembly includes apair of notched members with each notch member aligned with acorresponding chassis coupler of the hitch frame nose assembly. Each ofthe notched members is configured to engage the traverse pin in each ofthe chassis couplers, wherein the snow plow is pivotally coupled to thevehicle. In another embodiment, the snow plow includes an adjustment lugcoupled to each side of the rear portion of the plow frame. Each of theadjustment lugs defines a plurality of orifices aligned vertically,wherein the height of the plow frame can be adjusted relative to thevehicle when coupled to the lift bar assembly.

There is also provided a quick connect/disconnect hitch for mounting aplow onto a vehicle. The quick connect/disconnect hitch includes a hitchframe nose assembly configured to couple to a vehicle. The hitch framenose assembly includes a chassis coupler secured at each end of achassis tube with each chassis coupler including a traverse pinconfigured to attach to the vehicle chassis. A hitch frame, having afront portion and a rear portion, is coupled to a plow blade at thefront portion of the hitch frame. A lift bar assembly is coupled to therear portion of the hitch frame. The lift bar assembly includes a pairof notched members with each notched member aligned with a correspondingchassis coupler of the hitch frame nose assembly and is configured toengage the traverse pin in each of the chassis couplers wherein the plowis pivotally coupled to the vehicle.

The apparatus of the present disclosure is of a construction which isboth durable and long lasting, and which will require little or nomaintenance to be provided by the user throughout its operatinglifetime. The apparatus of the present disclosure is also of inexpensiveconstruction to enhance its market appeal and to thereby afford it thebroadest possible market. Finally, all of the aforesaid advantages andobjectives are achieved without incurring any substantial relativedisadvantage.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other advantages of the present invention are best understoodwith reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded, isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of ahitch frame nose assembly;

FIG. 2 is a detail view of an exemplary embodiment of a chassis couplerof the hitch frame nose assembly illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an isometric rear view of an exemplary embodiment of a hitchmechanism coupled to a vehicle;

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a springbiased retaining pin along the line 3A-3A of FIG. 3;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the hitch mechanism illustrated in FIG. 3uncoupled from the hitch frame nose assembly;

FIG. 5. is a side elevation of the hitch mechanism illustrated on FIG.4;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation of the hitch mechanism illustrated in FIG. 3with the hitch mechanism configured to uncouple from the hitch framenose assembly;

FIG. 7 is side elevation of the hitch mechanism illustrated in FIG. 3with the hitch mechanism coupled to a chassis coupler of the hitch framenose assembly and illustrating the hitch locking lever in a first lockposition;

FIG. 8 is a side elevation of the hitch mechanism illustrated in FIG. 7and illustrating the hitch locking lever in a second lock position;

FIG. 9 is a side elevation of another side of the hitch mechanismillustrated in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a detail perspective view of a chassis coupler engaged with anotched member of the hitch frame mechanism illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 11 is a top view of the chassis coupler illustrated in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is an isometric rear view of an exemplary embodiment of a liftbar assembly of the hitch mechanism illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 12A is a partial view of the lift bar assembly illustrated in FIG.12, illustrating the lift bar assembly coupled to the rear portion of aplow frame in one of a plurality height adjustment orifices;

FIG. 12B is a partial side elevation of the hitch mechanism illustratedin FIG. 3;

FIG. 12C is a partial side elevation of the hitch mechanism illustratedin FIG. 3 with the lift bar assembly coupled to the plow frame in analternative height adjustment orifice;

FIG. 13 is an isometric, top, front view of an exemplary embodiment ofan A-frame plow frame assembly of the hitch mechanism illustrated inFIG. 3;

FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view of the plow frame illustrated in FIG.13 along the line 14-14;

FIG. 15. is an isometric, front view of an exemplary embodiment of aswing frame of the hitch mechanism illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view of the swing frame illustrated in FIG.15 along the line 16-16;

FIG. 17 is bottom view of the swing frame illustrated in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17A is a partial cross-sectional top rear view of a cushion blockassembly along the line 17A-17A of FIG. 17;

FIG. 18 is an isometric, back view of an exemplary embodiment of a bladecoupled to the hitch mechanism illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 19 is an exploded, isometric, front view of the blade illustratedin FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is an isometric, bottom view of the blade illustrated in FIG.18;

FIG. 21 is a partial cross sectional view of the bottom of the bladeillustrated in FIG. 18 along the line 21-21, showing how a blade cuttingedge, nut plate, moldboard and wear strip are coupled to a blade framemember;

FIG. 22 is an isometric, rear view of an exemplary embodiment of acushion block coupled to the blade illustrated in FIG. 18, with aportion of the swing frame in phantom;

FIG. 23A is a partial cross-sectional view along the line 23A-23A ofFIG. 18 showing the plow blade in a normal position;

FIG. 23B is a partial cross-sectional view the plow blade illustrated inFIG. 23A showing the plow blade in a rotated position; and

FIG. 24 is an isometric, assembly view of an exemplary embodiment of theblade illustrated in FIG. 18 and the hitch mechanism illustrated in FIG.3 coupled together.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

There is disclosed a snow plow 50 for mounting on a vehicle 60 with aquick connection/disconnect hitch 70 (more fully described below). Thequick connect/disconnect hitch 70 facilitates the easy connection, i.e.,without tools and disconnection of the snow plow 50 from the vehicle 60.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a hitch frame nose assembly 100 includes ahitch frame tube 102 having a first end 104 and a second end 106.Coupled to each end of the hitch nose tube 102 is a chassis coupler 108.Each chassis coupler 108 mounts to the vehicle chassis 60. In a typicalset up, each of the chassis couplers 108 will be secured to a framemember of the vehicle chassis 70 (not shown) by bolting the chassiscoupler 108 to the vehicle chassis 60. It is also contemplated that thechassis coupler 108 can be welded to the vehicle chassis 60 asdetermined by the user of the quick connect/disconnect hitch 70.

Each chassis coupler 108 is a formed U-shaped channel with outwardextending flanges. The flanges 110 are configured to provide a mountingsurface for the chassis coupler 108 to facilitate coupling of thechassis coupler 108 to the vehicle chassis 60. Each flange 110 defines aplurality of apertures 112 to facilitate bolting of the chassis coupler108 to the vehicle chassis 60. The apertures 112 may be configured ascircles or slots. Each side 114 of each chassis coupler 108 furtherdefines a pair of slots 116 extending longitudinally along and througheach side 114 of the chassis coupler 108. The slots 116 facilitate thecoupling of the hitch frame tube 102 to each of the chassis couplers 108comprising the hitch frame nose assembly 100. Each chassis coupler 108may be provided with slots 116 on each side 114 of the chassis coupler108 to facilitate manufacturing and assembly by providing commonality ofparts. Each chassis coupler 108 is also provided with an end-stopcoupled to each of the flanges 110 proximate the front end 120 of thechassis coupler 108. The end-stop 118 assists in positioning the chassiscoupler 108 on the vehicle chassis 60. Each chassis coupler 108 alsodefines a substantially V-shaped notch 122 to accommodate a lock hookpivot more fully described below. Each chassis coupler 108 also includesa traverse pin 124 which extends through both sides 114 of the chassiscoupler 108. Traverse pin 124 is secured to the chassis coupler 108 by anut threadingly fastened to the traverse pin 104. The nut may further bewelded to the chassis coupler 108 to further secure the traverse pin124. A portion 128 of the traverse pin extends beyond the side 114 ofthe chassis coupler 108 and is configured to engage a locking hook morefully described below.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a quick connect/disconnecthitch 70 assembly. The hitch frame nose assembly 100 is coupled to avehicle chassis 60. Coupled to the hitch frame nose assembly 100 is thelift bar assembly 130 which in turn is coupled to a plow frame 170.

The lift bar assembly 130 includes a pair of lift bar support members132 maintained in a spaced apart relationship and coupled to a lift barapproximate the top of each lift bar support member 132. A light barbrace 136 approximate the lower end of each lift bar support member 132facilitates maintenance of the spaced apart relationship of the lift barsupport member 132. A pair of lift bar lugs 138 are coupled to each liftbar support member 132 approximate the light bar brace 136. (Also seeFIGS. 12 and 12 a). Coupled to the lift bar 134 are a pair of upper liftcylinder mounts 140 configured to operably secure a power mechanism, forexample a lift cylinder 142. Also coupled to the lift bar assembly 130is a locking mechanism 144.

Referring to FIG. 4, there is illustrated a hitch frame nose assembly100 coupled to a vehicle chassis 60 and positioned to receive a lockingmechanism 144 of a quick connect/disconnect hitch 70. The lockingmechanism 144 includes a pair of notched members 146 coupled to the liftbar assembly 130 and positioned to correspond for engagement with eachof the chassis couplers 108 of the hitch frame nose assembly 100.

Each notch member 146 includes a pair of tapered side members 148 witheach tapered side member 148 defining a notch 150. Each notch 150 isconfigured to engage the traverse pin 124 positioned between the twosides 114 of each chassis coupler 108. Each notch member 146 alsoincludes a plate member 152 fastened to the top portion of each of thetapered side members 148, typically by welding a plate member 150 toeach tapered side member 148. The plate member provides additionalreinforcement for the notch member 146 and defines with the two taperedside members 148 an inverted U-shape assembly. With the notch member 146engaged with the chassis coupler 108 the pivot for the quickconnect/disconnect hitch 70 formed by the engagement of the notch 150with the traverse pin 124 is enclosed within the two facing u-shapedassemblies.

Each notched member 146 further includes a locking hook 154 pivotallycoupled to a hook pivot 156. The hook pivot 156 extends through each ofthe tapered side members 148 of each notch member 146. The locking hook154 moves about the hook pivot 156 in response to movement of the hitchlocking lever 158 as the hitch locking lever 158 moves about a leverpivot 160. The hitch locking lever 158 is coupled to the locking hook154 by a lock linkage 162. The operation of the locking mechanism 144will be explained below.

The orientation of the locking hook 154 and the notch member 146 is suchthat when the notch member 146 is inserted into the chassis coupler 108the locking hook is positioned outside of the u-shaped chassis coupler108 and positioned to selectively engage the portion 128 of the traversepin 124 that extends beyond the side 114 of the chassis coupler 108. Itshould be understood that there is a locking hook 154 on each of thenotch members 146 which engages the traverse pin 124 extending beyondthe side 114 of each of the chassis couplers 108 that are part of thehitch frame nose assembly 100. The locking hook 154 locks the lift barassembly 130 to the hitch frame nose assembly 100.

Locking mechanism 144 also includes a lock support bracket 164 which iscoupled to each of the lift bar support members 132. A preferredembodiment provides that a pair of lock support brackets 164 are coupledto each side of the corresponding lift bar support member 132. (FIGS. 3and 4). It should be understood that the locking mechanism 144 includesa locking hook 154, hook pivot 156, lock linkage 162 on each outwardside of the lift bar assembly 130. On one side of the lift bar assembly130, the hitch locking lever 158 is coupled to the linkage, and on theother side of the lift bar assembly 130 the lock linkage 162 is coupledto a lock linkage bracket 166. (See FIG. 9). The lock linkage bracket166 and the hitch locking lever 158 are coupled together by a hitch lockextension rod 168 extending through each of the lock support brackets164 and each of the lift bar support members 132. The hitch lock lever158 and the lock linkage bracket 166 are journaled to the hitch lockextension rod 168 by a flat face defined on each end of the hitch lockextension rod 168. (See FIGS. 8 and 9).

The operation of coupling the quick connect/disconnect hitch 70 to thevehicle chassis 60 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 5through 9. FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a quickconnect/disconnect hitch 70 positioned to engage the hitch frame noseassembly 100 coupled to a vehicle chassis 60. The hitch locking lever158 is in an unlocked position 174. The movement of the hitch lock lever158 to the unlocked position 174 rotated the locking hook as illustratedin FIG. 5. The vehicle having a hitch frame nose assembly 100 coupled tothe vehicle chassis 60 is moved towards the quick connect/disconnecthitch 70 as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 illustrates the quick connect/disconnect hitch 70 engaged withthe hitch frame nose assembly 100 with each notched member 146 of thelift bar assembly 130 coupled to the traverse pin 124 in each of thechassis couplers 108. Such engagement is illustrated at least in FIGS.10 and 11. In this position, with the hitch locking lever 158 still inthe unlocked position 174 the vehicle can be moved away from the hitch70 if additional adjustment maneuvers are necessary.

FIG. 7 illustrates the locking mechanism 144 in a first locked position176. In the first locked position 176, the locking hook has moved toengage the traverse pin 124 in each of the chassis couplers 108. In thisconfiguration, the lever pivot 160, the hitch locking lever linkageattachment 180 and the hook linkage attachment 182 are substantially ina straight line as illustrated in FIG. 7.

To complete the locking maneuver of the locking mechanism 144, the hitchlocking lever 158 is moved to a second locked position 178 which forcesthe hitch locking lever 158 to move over center of the lever pivot 160as illustrated in FIG. 8. The hitch locking lever 158 also is secured ina retaining bracket 184 coupled to a locked support bracket 164. Theretaining bracket 184 includes a retaining pin 186 which is biased by aspring 188. The retaining pin 186 engages an orifice defined in thehitch lever locking lever 158 as illustrated in FIG. 3A. It should beunderstood that other ways of securing the locking lever 158 can be usedto prevent the locking lever 158 from inadvertently unlocking the hitch70.

As described above, the locking mechanism 144 includes a lock hook 154on each side of the lift bar assembly 130 and are coupled together tosimultaneously operate with movement of the hitch locking lever 158.FIG. 9 illustrates the other side of the locking mechanism 144illustrated in FIG. 8.

The lift bar assembly 130 is coupled to a plow frame 170. The lift barassembly 130 is provided with a pair of lift bar lugs 138 coupled to thelift bar brace 136 and to each of the lock support brackets 164 on bothsides of the lift bar assembly 130 (see FIG. 12).

A plow frame 170 is configured substantially in the form of a letter Awith the plow frame 170 including a front portion 175 and a rear portion177. The plow frame 170 includes two side member 196, 198 which form thesides of the A-shape with a traverse brace tube 200 coupled to each ofthe side members 196, 198. The side members 196, 198 and the traversebrace tube 200 are conventional steel square tubing, however, it iscontemplated that other cross-section configured tubes, for examplecircular or triangular, can be used. Coupled to the front portion 175 ofthe plow frame 170 is a swing frame pivot assembly 185. The swing framepivot assembly includes a top plate 187 and a bottom plate 189. Each ofthe plates 187, 189 defines an orifice configured to receive a swingframe pivot pin 190. The swing frame pivot assembly 185 is furthercoupled to each of the side members 196, 198 of the plow frame 170 by apair of side support brackets 192, 194 which are configured to couple toeach of the top plate 187, the bottom plate 189 and one of the sidemembers of the plow frame 170.

In one embodiment, a portion of the top plate 187 is bent downwardly ata 90 degree angle to extend the top plate 187 to the bottom plate 189with that portion of the top plate configured to define an angled pocketto receive each of the side members 196, 198 of the plow frame 170. SeeFIGS. 13 and 14.

Coupled to the traverse brace tube 200 are lift cylinder mounts 206 anda pair of swing cylinder mounts 202 and 204. Lift cylinder mounts 206are aligned to couple the lower end of the lift cylinder 142 which iscoupled to the upper lift cylinder mount 140 on the lift bar 134.

Each of the side members 196, 198 of the plow frame 170 include anadjustment lug 172 at the rear portion 177 of the plow frame 170. Eachadjustment lug 172 includes a plurality of orifices 179 alignedvertically and configured to receive a bolt 232 which will couple theplow frame 170 to the lift bar lugs 138 on the lift bar assembly 130. Asbest seen in FIGS. 12, 12A, 12B, and 12C, the adjustment lug 172 isreceived between each of the lift bar lugs 138 of the lift bar assembly130 and secured with a bolt 232. In order to adjust the plow frameheight relative to the vehicle, an operator will select one of thevertical adjustment orifices 179 to properly align the plow frame 170with the lift bar assembly 130 which is in turn coupled with the chassiscouplers 108 of the hitch frame nose assembly 100.

A swing frame 208 is pivotally coupled to the swing frame pivot assembly184 of the plow frame 170 (see at least FIGS. 15 and 18). The swingframe 208 includes a swing frame tube 209 which has two swing frame ends210 and 212. Coupled to each swing frame end 210, 212 is a pair of tripspring brackets 220. (See FIGS. 15 and 17.) Each trip spring bracket 220includes a trip spring mount 224, a cushion trip plate 280 and a bladepivot mount 226. Each pair of trip spring brackets 220 are coupled tothe swing frame tube 209, for example by welding.

The swing frame 208 includes a pivot 230 positioned in a center portion214 of the swing frame tube 208. The pivot 230 couples to the swingframe pivot assembly 184 of the plow frame 170 with the swing framepivot pin 190.

The swing frame tube 109 also supports a pair of swing cylinder mounts236 mounted on the swing frame tube 209 with each swing cylinder mount236 positioned between the center portion 214 of the swing frame tube209 and one end 210, 212 of the swing frame tube 209. (See FIG. 15.) Aswing cylinder 252 is coupled at one end to a swing cylinder mount 236on the swing frame 208 and on another end on the swing cylinders mounts202, 204 of the plow frame 170. The swing cylinder 252 as selectivelyoperated by a user of the snow plow 50 can rotate the plow blade 250about the pivot 230. The degree of rotation of the plow blade relativeto the plow frame 170 is established by the extension capabilities ofthe swing cylinders 252 as selected by an operator.

The plow blade 250 is coupled to the swing frame 208 pinning the plowblade to each of the trip spring brackets 240 at the blade pivot mount226 on each of the trip spring brackets 220. A pivot pin is received ina pivot aperture 234 and is typically secured in place by a cotter pin(not shown). It is contemplated that other means of fastening the pivotpin can be used such as a bolt and nut.

Also coupled to the trip spring bracket 220 is a cushion trip plate 280.The cushion trip plate 280 is configured with a pair of oversize boltapertures 240 to accommodate a socket or other tool for manipulating acushion bolt 238 to secure a cushion block 228 to the cushion mount 222.The cushion block 228 is substantially a rectangular shaped block ofpolyurethane or other high density resilient material. The cushion block228 is used to absorb the impact of the plow blade 250 (see FIGS. 23Aand 23B) as the plow blade moves between its limits. Such movement ofthe plow blade 250 is caused by the plow blade 250 striking an object asthe plow blade 250 is moved by a vehicle. The cushion block 228 isconfigured to prevent damage to the snow plow by allowing the snow plowblade 250 to “trip” that is, for the bottom of the plow blade 250 tomove rearward and the top of the plow blade 250 to simultaneously moveforward about the blade pivot pin, resulting in a rotation of plow blade250 around a horizontal axis. Such a rotation is inhibited by springs284 which act as a shock absorber mechanism, and which return the plowblade 250 to a normal or “trip return” position. The springs 284 arerelatively strong, since they must prevent the plow blade from rotatingwhen it is plowing snow and the metal-to-metal impacts of both a plowtrip bracket and a blade trip return can be substantial. The cushionblock 228 is configured to cushion the impacts on both the blade and thetrip spring bracket 220.

It is also contemplated that a back cushion (not shown) similar to thecushion block 228 can be coupled, for example by bolting, to a bladestop 282 at a lower end of each of the trip spring brackets 220. Theback cushion is configured to ameliorate vibration and damage to theplow blade 250 if the plow blade contacts an obstruction duringoperation.

The cushion block 228 is rectangular in shape and provides a relativelylarge area to distribute the force exerted upon the cushion block 228when the blade 250 moves back to its trip return position by action ofthe return springs 284. The relatively large cushion bolt aperture 240allows a user to easily access the cushion bolts 238 when servicing thecushion block. Servicing of the cushion block 228 can be accomplished,for example, replacing the cushion block without having to remove theplow blade 250 from the swing frame 208. However, a slight forwardrotation of the blade 250 must be provided to remove the cushion blockfrom between the cushion mount 222 and the cushion trip plate 280.

Referring now to FIGS. 18, 19, 20 and 21, FIG. 18 illustrates a snowplow 50 with a plow blade assembly 260 coupled to a quickconnect/disconnect hitch 70. FIG. 18 is a bottom, rear isometric view ofthe snow plow 50.

FIG. 19 is an exploded view of the plow blade assembly 260. The plowblade 250, is coupled, for example, by welding, to a plurality of plowribs 268. Each of the plow ribs 268 are aligned vertically and coupledto a bottom plow frame member 262. The plow ribs 268 are positioned atevenly spaced intervals along the bottom plow frame member 262 andwelded to the plow blade 250 and the bottom plow frame member 262. Eachof the plow ribs 268 is configured in a concave curve to which the plowblade 250 conforms and which also facilitates movement of material suchas snow as the plow 50 is operated. A wear strip 270 is coupled to thelower edge of the plow blade 250 by a plurality of bolts 272 whichextend through the wear strip 270, the plow blade 250, the bottom plowframe member 262 and a nut plate 274 which is positioned against one ofthe downward extending flanges of the bottom plow frame member 262. (Seeat least FIG. 20.) Reinforcement members 264 are positioned between thedown facing flanges of the bottom plow frame member to reinforce theplow blade assembly 260. The reinforcement members 264 are typicallywelded to the bottom plow frame member 262. The top edge of the plowblade 250 is bent and configured to be coupled to the top edge of eachof the plow ribs 268. The top edge of the plow blade 250 is typicallywelded to each of the plow ribs 268.

Referring to FIG. 20, a pair of plow trip spring brackets 276 arecoupled, for example, by welding, each to two of a plow rib 268. Theplow trip spring brackets 276 are aligned with the spring mounts 224 oneach of the spring brackets 220 coupled to the swing frame 208. Acushion mount 222 is also coupled, typically by welding, to each of theplow ribs 268 that support the plow trip spring brackets 276. A cushionblock 228 is bolted to each of the cushion mounts 222 and are configuredand aligned to contact a cushion trip plate 280 coupled to each of thetrip spring brackets 220.

As illustrated in FIG. 24, a plurality of trip springs 284 are coupledto each of the plow trip spring brackets 276 and the trip springbrackets 220. FIG. 24 also illustrates a light bar 286 coupled to thelift bar support brackets 132. The light bar 286 supports a plurality oflight brackets 288 to which plow lights (not shown) are coupled. Plowlights are typically needed since the snow plow 50 typically obstructsthe headlights of the vehicle to which the snow plow 50 is coupled.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joining oftwo components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to oneanother. Such joining may be stationary in nature or moveable in nature.Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical ormechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or the two componentsand any additional member being attached to one another. Such adjoiningmay be permanent in nature or alternatively be removable or releasablein nature.

Although the foregoing description of a quick connect/disconnect hitchhas been shown and described with reference to particular embodimentsand applications thereof, it has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the invention to the particular embodiments and applicationsdisclosed. It will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the artthat a number of changes, modifications, variations, or alterations tothe hitch as described herein may be made, none of which depart from thespirit or scope of the present invention. The particular embodiments andapplications were chosen and described to provide the best illustrationof the principles of the invention and its practical application tothereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the inventionin various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited tothe particular use contemplated. All such changes, modifications,variations, and alterations should therefore be seen as being within thescope of the present invention as determined by the appended claims wheninterpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly,legally, and equitably entitled.

1. A snow plow including a quick connect/disconnect hitch, the snow plowcomprising: a hitch frame nose assembly configured to couple to avehicle, the hitch frame nose assembly comprising a pair of U-shapedchassis couplers mechanically coupled together in a spaced-apart manner,each chassis coupler comprising a pair of spaced-apart sides and havingan open front end and an opposite rear end, with each chassis couplerincluding a secured traverse pin extending laterally between thespaced-apart sides of the chassis coupler; wherein the secured traversepin in each chassis coupler extends outwardly through the side of eachchassis coupler opposite the side of such chassis coupler facing theother chassis coupler; and wherein each of the sides in each chassiscoupler includes a notch located in the open front ends of the sides ineach chassis coupler; a plow frame having a front portion and a rearportion, the plow frame having a plow blade coupled to the frontportion; a hitch assembly coupled to the rear portion of the plow frame,the hitch assembly comprising a spaced-apart pair of notched members,each notched member having a pair of spaced-apart side members andhaving a front end and an opposite rear end; wherein the notched membersare configured to be respectively received in the front ends of thechassis couplers between the sides of the chassis couplers; and whereineach of the side members in each of the notched members includes a notchopening at the rear end of the notched members configured to receive thesecured traverse pin extending laterally between the spaced-apart sidesof the chassis coupler therein; a secured pivot pin extending laterallybetween the spaced-apart side members of each notched member, thesecured pivot pin in each notched member extending outwardly throughboth side members of each notched member, wherein the notch located inthe front ends of the sides in each chassis coupler are configured toreceive the secured pivot pin extending laterally between thespaced-apart side members of the notched member therein; and a lockinghook operatively coupled on one side of each notched member and coupledto a hitch locking lever operatively coupled to drive the locking hooks,with the locking hook configured to selectively engage the portion ofthe secured traverse pin extending from one side of each chassiscoupler.
 2. The snow plow of claim 1, wherein said U-shaped chassiscouplers are secured at opposite ends of a hitch frame tube maintainingthem in a spaced-apart relationship.
 3. The snow plow of claim 1,wherein said U-shaped chassis couplers additionally comprise: a bottommember coupled intermediate the spaced-apart sides to maintain them in aspaced-apart relationship.
 4. The snow plow of claim 1, additionallycomprising: a plate member coupled intermediate the side members of eachof the notched members to maintain them in a spaced-apart relationship.5. The snow plow of claim 1, wherein the notched members are eachtapered at their rear ends to facilitate engagement with the chassiscouplers.
 6. The snow plow of claim 1, wherein the plow frame and thehitch frame nose assembly are not free to move away from each other whenthe pair of notched members are engaged and locked with the chassiscouplers.
 7. The snow plow of claim 1, wherein the hitch locking leveris configured to move from an unlocked position sequentially to a firstlocked position and then a second locked position, with the hitchlocking lever remaining in the second locked position until it issequentially moved to the first locked position and then the unlockedposition, wherein the locking hook engages the one portion of thesecured traverse pin extending from one side of each chassis coupler. 8.A quick connect/disconnect hitch for mounting a plow onto a vehicle, thequick connect/disconnect hitch comprising: a hitch frame nose assemblyconfigured to couple to a vehicle, the hitch frame nose assemblycomprising a pair of U-shaped chassis couplers mechanically coupledtogether in a spaced-apart manner, each chassis coupler comprising apair of spaced-apart sides and having an open front end and an oppositerear end, with each chassis coupler including a secured traverse pinextending laterally between the spaced-apart sides of the chassiscoupler; wherein the secured traverse pin in each chassis couplerextends outwardly through the side of each chassis coupler opposite theside of such chassis coupler facing the other chassis coupler; andwherein each of the sides in each chassis coupler includes a notchlocated in the open front ends of the sides in each chassis coupler; ahitch assembly configured to couple to a rear portion of a plow framehaving a front portion thereof coupled to a plow blade, the hitchassembly comprising a spaced-apart pair of notched members, each notchedmember having a pair of spaced-apart side members and having a front endand an opposite rear end; wherein the notched members are configured tobe respectively received in the front ends of the chassis couplersbetween the sides of the chassis couplers; and wherein each of the sidemembers in each of the notched members includes a notch opening at therear end of the notched members configured to receive the securedtraverse pin extending laterally between the spaced-apart sides of thechassis coupler therein; a secured pivot pin extending laterally betweenthe spaced-apart side members of each notched member, the secured pivotpin in each notched member extending outwardly through both side membersof each notched member, wherein the notch located in the front ends ofthe sides in each chassis coupler are configured to receive the securedpivot pin extending laterally between the spaced-apart side members ofthe notched member therein and at least one locking member thatselectively, releasably secures the hitch assembly to the hitch framenose assembly once they are engaged.
 9. The quick connect/disconnecthitch of claim 8, wherein the locking member comprises: a locking hookoperatively coupled on one side of each notched member and coupled to ahitch locking lever operatively coupled to drive the locking hooks, withthe locking hook configured to selectively engage the portion of thesecured traverse pin extending from one side of each chassis coupler.10. The quick connect/disconnect hitch of claim 9, wherein the hitchlocking lever is configured to move from an unlocked positionsequentially to a first locked position and then a second lockedposition, with the hitch locking lever remaining in the second lockedposition until it is sequentially moved to the first locked position andthen the unlocked position, wherein the locking hook engages the oneportion of the secured traverse pin extending from one side of eachchassis coupler.
 11. The quick connect/disconnect hitch of claim 8,wherein said U-shaped chassis couplers are secured at opposite ends of ahitch frame tube maintaining them in a spaced-apart relationship. 12.The quick connect/disconnect hitch of claim 8, wherein said U-shapedchassis couplers additionally comprise: a bottom member coupledintermediate the spaced-apart sides to maintain them in a spaced-apartrelationship.
 13. The quick connect/disconnect hitch of claim 8,additionally comprising: a plate member coupled intermediate the sidemembers of each of the notched members to maintain them in aspaced-apart relationship.
 14. The quick connect/disconnect hitch ofclaim 8, wherein the notched members are each tapered at their rear endsto facilitate engagement with the chassis couplers.
 15. A quickconnect/disconnect hitch for mounting a plow onto a vehicle, the quickconnect/disconnect hitch comprising: a hitch frame nose assemblyconfigured to couple to a vehicle, the hitch frame nose assemblycomprising a pair of chassis couplers mechanically coupled together in aspaced-apart manner, each chassis coupler comprising a pair ofspaced-apart sides and having an open front end, with each chassiscoupler including a secured traverse pin extending laterally between thespaced-apart sides of the chassis coupler; wherein the secured traversepin in each chassis coupler extends outwardly through the side of eachchassis coupler opposite the side of such chassis coupler facing theother chassis coupler; and wherein each of the sides in each chassiscoupler includes a notch located in the open front ends of the sides ineach chassis coupler; and a hitch assembly configured to couple to aplow frame, the hitch assembly comprising a spaced-apart pair of notchedmembers, each notched member having a front end and an opposite rearend; wherein the notched members are configured to be respectivelyreceived in the front ends of the chassis couplers between the sides ofthe chassis couplers; and wherein each of the notched members include anotch opening at the rear end thereof configured to receive the securedtraverse pin extending laterally between the spaced-apart sides of thechassis coupler therein; a secured pin extending outwardly from oppositesides of each notched member, wherein the notch located in the frontends of the sides in each chassis coupler are configured to receive thesecured pin extending outwardly from opposite sides of the notchedmember therein; and at least one locking member that selectively,releasably secures the hitch assembly to the hitch frame nose assemblyonce they are engaged.
 16. The quick connect/disconnect hitch of claim15, wherein each notched member has a pair of spaced-apart side members,and wherein each of the side members in each of the notched membersincludes the notch opening at the rear end of the notched members. 17.The quick connect/disconnect hitch of claim 16, additionally comprising:a plate member coupled intermediate the side members of each of thenotched members to maintain them in a spaced-apart relationship.
 18. Thequick connect/disconnect hitch of claim 16, wherein the notched membersare each tapered at their rear ends to facilitate engagement with thechassis couplers.
 19. The quick connect/disconnect hitch of claim 15,wherein the locking member comprises: a locking hook operatively coupledon one side of each notched member and configured to selectively engagethe portion of the secured traverse pin extending from one side of eachchassis coupler.
 20. The quick connect/disconnect hitch of claim 15,wherein said chassis couplers additionally comprise: a bottom membercoupled intermediate the spaced-apart sides to maintain them in aspaced-apart relationship.